You are looking at a rare and unique 1930's / 40's era Shure Brothers 3B Double Button carbon microphone. This was a very common design for it's time and it comes with the all metal chromed period ring and equally beautiful 1940's era Great Western Fixture Works model desk stand. This classic style of microphone was made by several American companies before disappearing altogether around the mid 1940's. This mic with accessories is in very good physical condition and would be greatly appreciated in any fine vintage mic collection.
Pic # 2 shows the listing for the 3B model and it's basic characteristics in an old Shure Brothers catalog.
These early microphones were suspended with springs as a primitive shock mount before the industry converted to other forms of internal padding to keep unwanted feedback to a minimum. The spring mics had a good run though for about 20 years before eventually being phased out.
I don't have the proper equipment to test this mic so I have no idea if this carbon mic works? You'll need the proper audio equipment if you plan on using one of these older microphones.
Again, this spring mic is in very good overall physical condition considering it's age as seen in the pictures provided. The model 3B element shows lite pitting and has never been disassembled. The Shure label is very nice and completely legible. The wiring connectors are still present on this mic and could be rewired if you know the correct diagram. I would rate this mic a very conservative 7 on a scale of 1 -10. The mic comes with all 8 original older springs too which is pretty rare to find these days.
The mic comes with a chrome plated Elco model ring that is period to the mic. Everything on the mic and ring are original. No cheap replica parts like you see on many of these listed on Ebay. These old spring mics are almost always missing original springs or come with new rings that are cheaply made. The chrome plating on the outer ring is very good with typical wear showing a few small spots of metal underneath where the chrome has rubbed thin. No cracks or fractures. The outer ring is as tough and durable as they come.
MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IN PICTURE IS PART OF THIS SALE...
The Great Western Fixture Works stand is a very early piece with cast iron base and eccentric riser made in Chicago, Illinoise sometime in the 1920's or 30's. A very rare piece and the first I have seen. They probably folded up during the Great depression or were bought out by another company? It's got some weight to it and very practical for all small, medium and many larger microphones of it's time. It' a unique smaller thread size as well so it will only fit certain older American screw on microphones and mic rings.
The style was a very deco vibe that really sets itself apart from other stands at that time. It has a touch of elegance. If you are looking for something rare and nice you won't want to let this one get away. It's one of my favorite designs and looks particularly nice with this certain style of microphone.
As you can see in the pics provided the stand shows very lite signs of wear. The base appears to have been repainted at some point and there is typical lite rust on the bottom of the base. Overall a nice stand though that makes a stable platform and looks the part. Two rarer pieces in one.
With the mic on top it's appx 10 inches tall and the base is 5 inches wide.
If you are a serious collector of vintage Americans mics then you know what a unique mic this is. She'll make an awesome display piece anywhere it sits in the home, studio or office.
And as always...
I can promise you will be happy with it for the price paid. If not...I have a no hassle return policy. The shipping will be on you as I believe that's fair but the purchase price would be refunded. Simply return in the same nice condition...period. Check my rating. International buyers are welcome as well. Buyer must pay within 24 hours or an unpaid case will be opened and item relisted. Domestic buyer will get priority shipping.
If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.